Science Jobs in Seattle (Dayton, Toledo: rent, loans, house)

[skyski88]

Hello all,

I will be receiving a Masters in Pharmacology & Toxicology from WSU medical school in Dayton Ohio (I have a BS in Forensic Science) in December. I have 2 years post college experience as a forensic scientist and qc chemist. I have given it some thought and want to try employment in a few cities ive chosen (these are just 3/7) San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, or Toledo, OH (I am posting this on all three boards). I wanted to know if you can say (or recommend) that moving to this city is a good idea with my field being Pharmacology, Toxicology and Forensics. Ive done a lot of research online about this already and know more or less the number of positions (somewhat) in each location; however, thats just surfing the web. The people who actually live there now would obviously know a lot more.

I would really appreciate advice/guidance. Im a few months away from graduating, but want to narrow down my choices early on to know where to focus most of my attention.

Thanks

[Hemlock140]

Not sure what you do with those specialties, but there is a lot of molecular biology/biotech in Seattle, Amgen and ZymoGenetics to name two. Also several research hospitals.

[skyski88]

would the cost of living be worth the move in your opinion to seattle?

[tobester]

Originally Posted by skyski88

would the cost of living be worth the move in your opinion to seattle?

If cost of living is your major deciding factor, Toledo it is.

[Hemlock140]

Seattle's cost of living is less than San Diego but much higher than Toledo, but is offset some by the lack of state income tax here. Even so, with a salary of $33,000 in Toledo you would have to make $57,000 in Seattle.

[skyski88]

Cost of Living is not the primary concern. It was just a question to those that live there currently. If I work for the state of WA as a forensic scientist of Toxicologist the starting rates that I'd qualify for is between 65-75 (Forensic Scientist) 80-100 (toxicologist) the rest of the places ive contacted all fell in the range of 55-60k as a starting wage.

Are those wages enough to get by

[flyingsaucermom]

Those income levels are good for someone who is single/married and childless/married with dual income. Potentially not so great if you were the only breadwinner in a family.

[RunTheDistance476]

Depends upon your situation.

If you are going to be making anywhere between 55,000-75,000 and you live by yourself with no children or pets, then absolutely, you can easily make it. You can get a nice studio around here for $1100 a month. While a studio isn't for everyone, a minimalist like myself thrived in one during college. You would have more than plenty of cash left over to pay bills, etc.

Just a couple of things to note:

-Groceries are cheap here, dont let anyone lie to you.
-Gas is expensive, but it's not like Chicago or any other city like that.
-Utilities are average, depending upon where you live.

So, I say if you get offered at least 50,000 and you like the area, come on up. Really the only major cost is rent and if you do your research, there are lots of bargains in good areas.

[skyski88]

No children, not married, not bringing along anyone with me. 24 year old black male all alone lol.

Well I take that back, I have my loans im taking with me haha

[Hemlock140]

People make it here on what you give as possible starting salary, it's about the median household income in Seattle. Hard to buy a house on that but hopefully
you'll get up to that top of the range and have a better chance for that soon after.